Eberechi Eze struck early with a superb finish as Arsenal edged Newcastle United 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium to return to the top of the Premier League.
The result helped Mikel Arteta’s side recover from back-to-back defeats against Bournemouth and Manchester City, reigniting their title push after briefly losing top spot.
Eze’s ninth-minute effort proved decisive and was enough to see Arsenal leapfrog City, who had temporarily gone top before beating Southampton in the FA Cup to reach the final.
The Gunners now sit three points clear, having played a game more, and could extend that gap when they host Fulham next weekend. Manchester City are not back in league action until May 4 against Everton.
Arsenal’s win came at a cost ahead of their Champions League semi-final first leg away to Atlético Madrid on Wednesday.
Both Eze and Kai Havertz were forced off injured, with Havertz limping out in the first half and Eze unable to continue early in the second period.
Despite taking the lead, Arsenal never fully controlled the game. Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, suffered a fifth consecutive defeat and remain stuck in 14th place, but they still posed a threat, especially in a nervy second half where Arsenal were forced to defend their narrow advantage.
The only goal came from a set-piece routine that underlined Arsenal’s strength in that department this season.
From their third corner in quick succession, the move eventually led to Havertz laying the ball off for Eze, who curled a precise first-time effort beyond Nick Pope. It was Arsenal’s 17th goal from a corner this campaign, setting a new Premier League record.
Newcastle had enjoyed a height advantage in the box and dealt comfortably with earlier deliveries, while Arsenal’s initial short-corner routines failed to create openings.
But Eze’s strike changed the rhythm of the match and briefly lifted the tension inside the stadium.
Arsenal were unable to build on their lead, with Newcastle growing into the contest. David Raya was called into action to deny Sandro Tonali from distance before both Eze and Havertz were withdrawn due to injury.
The visitors, who have a poor record at the Emirates with 13 defeats in their last 14 visits, remained in the contest and nearly levelled late on when substitute Yoane Wissa blazed over from Nick Woltemade’s clever chipped pass.
Bukayo Saka also made a welcome return from injury, earning a loud reception from the home crowd.
Almost immediately, he tested Pope with a deflected effort, while Martin Ødegaard also went close with a powerful strike that required a sharp save.
Seven minutes of stoppage time added to the anxiety, but Arsenal held firm to secure a crucial three points, restoring momentum in the closing stages of a tightly contested title race.
